Welsh Clubs XV takes form

Community Rugby in Wales has embarked on a new journey, 41 players from 32 grassroots clubs have together for the first training session of the Welsh Clubs XV.

Wales's newest international side will fulfil its first fixtures next month at a tournament in Belgium involving Spain and France Amateur, along with the hosts Belgium. This will be followed by the first home international for the side against France on the morning of Wales v Australia this November.

The squad, which will be reduced to 26 at the end of the month in time for the August matches, is made up of players who are 25 or under and who play for clubs in ASDA Leagues 1 - 5. All the nominated players for this National Squad represented their regions last season in the inaugural WRU Regional Community Championship in which community sides representing the four regions, plus Gogledd, the North Wales side, play against each other home and away.

Three players from the North Wales regional side have been nominated for the initial squad with five Ospreys, seven Blues, ten Scarlets and fourteen Dragons community players. The management team is made up of coaches Gerry Roberts and Kim Norkett, both from the WRU's Community Rugby Department and based within the Dragons and Scarlets regions respectively, while Cardiff Blues Development Officer, Gary Knowles, is Team Manager.

WRU Chief Executive, Steve Lewis, who welcomed the players to the WRU's National Indoor Training Arena in the Vale of Glamorgan yesterday said: "This is a new venture which we hope will go from strength to strength.

"These players represent the top end of the community club game in Wales and they should be proud of that achievement. It would be great if some of these boys were to progress into Principality Premiership rugby and beyond, that would be a bonus. This structure recognises the importance of the club game to Welsh rugby and these players have already achieved a great deal in getting this far.

"A first class management structure has been put into place with both coaches, Gerry Roberts and Kim Norkett possessing a great deal of experience within the High Performance game. The management team has received the Welsh Rugby Union's full backing to provide these players with excellent training facilities and sessions before their departure for Belgium and the side should hopefully be one of the best if not the best prepared squad at the tournament."

Head Coach, Gerry Roberts, who is the Welsh Rugby Union's Community Rugby Manager for the Dragons region last night said: "It is fantastic for players at this level to have the chance to represent their country. I know from working with the Dragons Community Squad this season how much enthusiasm there is from players to represent their regions and now to be part of a national training squad is a dream come true for them.

"Although these are not professional rugby players, from a management point of view, we want to create an environment which is as professional as possible on and off the pitch, from the quality of training sessions to dietary advice and hopefully that will be reciprocated in the players' attitude on and off the field."

Having signed a national dual contract earlier in the week, Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will be hoping for a double celebration by leading his country to second place in the NatWest 6 Nations when coming up against France in the final round.

George North inched closer to Shane Williams record of 22 tries in the Six Nations, his brace taking him to third on the list with Gareth Edwards (18) now in his sights. He looks back on a job well done by Wales.

Taulupe Faletau is looking forward to his first game as Wales captain where he will play alongside debutant James Davies in a fresh looking back row against Italy in the NatWest 6 Nations tomorrow afternoon in Cardiff

Head coach Warren Gatland has handed 'world-class' Taulupe Faletau the captaincy for Wales' clash against Italy on Sunday, and believes it is an opportunity for Wales to get even 'more out of him in terms of leadership qualities'

The Wales squad reported back into camp this morning ahead of Sunday's vital NatWest 6 Nations encounter against Italy. Assistant coach Neil Jenkins says the return of Taulupe Faletau is a big plus for the team.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde pays Ireland credit for their victory last Saturday in the NatWest 6 Nations but refuses to get bogged down with the result as there is a bigger picture to think about as well - the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.